Scientist

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**Who we are**

At AgResearch, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.

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**The role and opportunity**

The work you will be doing will be critical in reducing gaseous emissions from pastoral systems. You will be part of a team reporting into the Environmental Science - North Team leader and will be based at the AgResearch Ruakura campus in Hamilton. This position will be responsible for leading, managing and supporting research projects focusing on environmental management of agricultural/pastoral/livestock systems, with particular emphasis on mitigating nitrous oxide and ammonia gaseous emissions.

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Job Title: Scientist, Gaseous emissions from pastoral systems

Location: Ruakura Campus, Hamilton

Minimum and maximum base salary: 98k - 110k

Hours work per week: 40 hours per week

Days Required: Monday to Friday

Number of Positions: 1

Employment Type: Permanent

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**What you will be doing**
- Summarising project data and disseminate findings in the scientific literature
- Contributing to scoping of research priorities and lead the development of research proposals to attract research funding from government, industry and/or other organisations

To view the full position description for this role, please click here.

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**Your ideal background**
- PhD degree or equivalent in soil science, environmental science or agricultural science
- Proven science or industry experience in nutrient management of agricultural systems, greenhouse gas emissions and/or environmental management

It is essential to have:

- A sound understanding of nitrogen cycling in managed ecosystems, with emphasis on gaseous nitrogen emissions from New Zealand pastoral systems
- An in-depth knowledge of isotopic tracing techniques, preferably 15N, for tracing of nutrient fluxes
- An understanding of research trial design, data collection, analysis and interpretation
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the preparation and presentation of reports and papers
- Project management skills, with proven success in meeting project deadlines

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It is desirable to have:

- Knowledge of molecular techniques in soil
- Knowledge of New Zealand livestock farm systems
- System modelling such as APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator)
- Innovative and integrative thinking to develop, conceptualise, and analyse problems and ideas
- Able to work in a team situation but also able to work alone and take responsibility for personal day to day work plans
- Able to take responsibility for own actions and make decisions without referring to others; self-motivated and prepared to act on own initiative
- A desire to learn new skills and increase capability

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**Our Benefits**

AgResearch provide a diverse range of benefits including extensive flexible working options that help employees balance their own lifestyle and needs with their work commitments.